Disease information

pUBLIC health notice

From Jan. 1 to Feb. 21, 2019, 159* people from 10 states (CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, NJ, NY, OR, TX, and WA) have been reported as having measles. Five outbreaks (defined as three or more linked cases) have been reported, in Rockland County, New York; Monroe County, New York; New York City; Washington; Texas; and Illinois. Of these outbreaks, two outbreaks are ongoing from 2018. CDC urges everyone to ensure that they are up to date on MMR vaccine, including before international travel.

Am I protected against measles? CDC considers you protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following: You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—

School-aged child (grades K-12)

adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.

You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—

preschool-aged child

adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission.

A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.

A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.

You were born before 1957.

How effective is the measles vaccines?The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. Two doses are about 97% effective.I think I have measles. What should I do?Immediately call your doctor and let him or her know about your symptoms you are having. Your doctor can

determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record or if you had measles in the past, and

make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.

For any questions or information, contact Garland Public Health Clinic 972-205-3370.

Flu-Related Death

April 9, 2019 - The Garland Public Health Department is reporting a second flu-related death for the 2018-19 season. The patient was a 59-year-old Garland resident with underlying health conditions. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, the Garland Health Department does not provide additional identifying information.

Flu vaccines are still available at the Garland Public Health Clinic, 206 Carver St. in Garland. Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 972-205-3370.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all persons aged six months and older, with rare exceptions. Individuals should discuss flu vaccine concerns with a health care provider.

Several simple things can help prevent the spread of seasonal influenza:

Consider protecting yourself with a flu vaccination

Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your sleeve

Wash your hands and keep your hands away from your face

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or appear ill

Stay home if you are sick or keep family members home if they are sick